The feature of the day saw some progressive sprinters clash and it was Sweet Ride ($4) who came out on top in the Benchmark 100 Steveos Scamper (1000m), scoring by a head over Omni Man ($2.40F unibet).
Backed into second favourite, jockey Michael Dee was able to get across into second with surprising ease after noted drifter Inundation ($5.50) missed the start and natural leader Omni Man also stepped a touch slow.
Dee was unaware of the happenings behind him but was pleased with how the race unfolded early.
“I wasn’t aware it was slow but when myself and the horse Damian Lane was riding (Acromantula ($9) were able to cross so easily, we actually got there within a hundred metres and once we found our position all my horse wanted to do was just relax and come back and conserve energy,” Dee said.
The enigmatic Inundation was forced to whip up outside the field mid-race, with Dee giving credit to Sweet Ride’s toughness in a driving finish.
“I was a little bit concerned when Inundation came around and put some pressure on but to my mount’s credit he was tough and tried hard right through the line,” Dee said.
Having campaigned in Sydney this time in, Annabel Neasham opted to send Sweet Ride to Melbourne, having run second in the Group 3 Red Anchor (1200m) at the track last year, although Dee hinted that 1000m is where he may stay.
“There’s plenty more in store for sure, he’s got good natural speed, whether he sticks at this sort of trip or out over further I think Annabel’s of the opinion that 1100 probably sees him out so I think 1000 metres, he’s able to take a sit, it probably gives him more options,” Dee said.
Having rapidly become one of the top trainers in Sydney, we’re likely to see more Annabel Neasham runners in Melbourne shortly, according to stable representative Bill Papazaharoudakis.
“Annabel’s opening a stable here in Victoria… in the next few weeks there will be quite a few horses running here under her banner.”
